Gunfire Erupts at “No Kings” Protest in Salt Lake City, Leaving One Dead, One Injured
A protest in downtown Salt Lake City turned deadly after a man allegedly brandishing a rifle was shot by a volunteer peacekeeper, resulting in the death of a bystander, authorities said.
According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa was taken into custody on a murder charge after an altercation that led to the shooting death of 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a bystander and fashion designer from Samoa.
Police say Gamboa had separated from the crowd during the “No Kings” protest and was seen pulling a rifle from behind a wall. Two individuals wearing neon green vests — believed to be part of a volunteer peacekeeping team — confronted Gamboa with their handguns drawn. When Gamboa allegedly raised the rifle and moved toward the crowd, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
Gamboa sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated before being booked into jail. Police recovered an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene. Gamboa reportedly has no prior criminal history.
The identity of the peacekeeper who fired the shots has not been released, and their actions are under active investigation.
“While trying to prevent further violence, a tragic outcome occurred,” Redd said at a Sunday news conference. “We are thoroughly investigating all aspects of this incident.”
Witness video posted on social media captured the panic as shots rang out, with protesters scrambling for cover behind barriers and fleeing into nearby buildings. One video records someone yelling:
“That’s a gun. Come on, get out!”
Sarah Parker, national coordinator for the 50501 Movement, which co-organized the protest, said peacekeeping teams are commonly deployed during demonstrations to de-escalate tensions — and are explicitly asked not to carry weapons. However, Parker said the armed response may have averted a larger tragedy. “It could have been much worse,” she said.
The Salt Lake City incident came during a nationwide wave of “No Kings” demonstrations aimed at protesting what organizers called President Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Though largely peaceful, other protests saw isolated confrontations.
In Riverside, California, a woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by an SUV during a demonstration. Authorities say the driver fled the scene and remains at large.
In Arizona, video footage showed a protester outside the statehouse drawing a handgun after a confrontation with demonstrators. He was quickly taken into custody by state troopers.
With input from The AP
